Pentecost, Pentecostal, Pentecostalism … what do the words bring to mind? Some will think of an overly enthusiastic church filled with people waving their arms, speaking incoherently, and fainting to the ground. Others will think of that day written about in the book of Acts which is often called the birth of the church. When it comes to God, there are so many wonderful possibilities and I try to be careful with my expectations.

Frankly, I don’t care how people worship or what date is put on the birth of the church of Jesus. Personally, I’ve experienced God in many ways, and expect the unexpected when it comes to my creator. I’ve seen Christ in the face of people I never would have guessed and could see nothing in some I thought would be covered with the glow of God’s love.

I have found that it’s not what I see in others but what is in them. I reject others’ condemnation of my worship and baptism and try to extend the same openness to others. I do have trouble with teachings without grace, where acceptance is a matter of personal dos and don’ts. On the other hand, the abuse of grace to a point where whatever you do is alright quickly dissolves into spiritual anarchy. Rules and fear are not grace and neither is a spiritual free-for-all without love and personal limitations. I think St. Paul summed it up in his letter to the Galatians. In chapter 5 verses 13-15, he wrote: For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

So, what is the Day of Pentecost? It was a day in biblical history were a group of frightened disciples of Jesus huddled together in a room and prayed with open hearts and expectations. It was a day filled with spiritual power that changed their lives and changed the world. When we read this scripture and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that on the darkest day for the disciples of Jesus, the Holy Spirit showed up in an undeniable and life-changing way. The day is never too dark for God’s light. Join us this Sunday and let’s celebrate together what God is doing in the power of the Spirit.

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick